The Philippine Senate has passed a resolution encouraging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to provide Starlink Internet Services Philippines with provisional authority to operate within the country. The resolution, Senate Joint Resolution No. 3, was passed with the aim of leveraging Starlink’s capabilities to bridge the digital divide, especially in remote and underserved regions.
Senator Grace Poe highlighted the critical nature of internet access, labeling it as a fundamental human right. She pointed out that despite initiatives like the Free Public Wi-Fi Program and the National Fiber Backbone Project, a significant 65% of Filipinos still lack internet connectivity. Poe also mentioned the Philippines’ 56th ranking out of 169 countries in the 2024 Internet Poverty Index, indicating the country’s lag in internet affordability and performance compared to its Southeast Asian counterparts.
Poe praised Starlink’s satellite technology, which has been operational since receiving NTC authorization in 2022, for its ability to reach remote areas without the need for expensive infrastructure. She advocated for the establishment of ground stations in the Philippines to enhance Starlink’s service reach, particularly emphasizing its importance for the upcoming 2025 elections as supported by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
Senator Joel Villanueva supported the resolution, referencing a 2024 World Bank report that highlighted the Philippines’ internet as the most expensive yet among the slowest in Southeast Asia. He argued that granting provisional authority to Starlink could significantly improve internet speed, reliability, and affordability, thereby boosting sectors like education, healthcare, commerce, and government services in line with the nation’s digital transformation goals.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian stressed the resilience of Starlink’s services during natural disasters, noting that satellite networks could remain operational when traditional infrastructure fails. He also emphasized the role of internet access in enhancing opportunities for education, employment, and communication in remote areas.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed admiration for Starlink’s impact in countries lacking internet access, describing it as impressive and capable of extending cellphone connectivity to the most isolated regions.